I am new on this forum and had a general question about the 2.2. I'm considering buying a used 99-2003 S-10/Sonoma and considered the 4.3 but with no heavy hauling anticipated am considering the 2.2 for mileage, trips etc.

I was just wondering what the consensus is on the longevity of this engine? I'm also thinking auto tranny, power is not an issue, but mileage is.

just browse around, there are several threads floating around about what mileage pple get as far as longevity goes.

Well I know roughly what mileage it gets. Was more interested in longevity.
Problem with browsing around is that no matter what engine you're talking about (even the most reliable) forums are going to contain umpteen accounts of problems. This is why I was asking what the gen consensus is. I know this is a low tech push rod engine with limited power. This will be a second vehicle and power is not important, longevity and mileage are. I also thought I read that the 4.3 had it's own gasket problems.

The 98-03 Chevy 2.2L is a Vortec motor, that is why its refered to as a Vortec 2200, and yes, they are notorious for head gaskets, but alot of people on here haven't had to replace the head gasket and are pushing close to 250,000 miles, these motors are slow, and if you don't plan on heavy hauling then a 2.2 automatic is great for just normal driving, I've seen a few s-10's people I know own get decent gas mileage, it just depends on the overall condition of the trucks driveline. and as for longevity, mine personally has 167,648 miles, and the only things I've had to replace is my ECT, valve cover gasket, and my plugs and wires, and I know that my dad used to run the piss out of this truck,

Well I know roughly what mileage it gets. Was more interested in longevity.
Problem with browsing around is that no matter what engine you're talking about (even the most reliable) forums are going to contain umpteen accounts of problems. This is why I was asking what the gen consensus is. I know this is a low tech push rod engine with limited power. This will be a second vehicle and power is not important, longevity and mileage are. I also thought I read that the 4.3 had it's own gasket problems.

I know there where at least 2 more threads just in the 2.2 section in the past week or so with pretty much the same question, so thats why I said browse because there where a few threads to answer your longevity question

Its a good motor, easy to work on, and reliable. I would personally go 5 speed over auto. W/ stock wheels and 60r15 tires and engine mods, i was getting 24mpg city 31+/- highway. It decreased a little w/ the 18's, i think its 22 city now.

Doesn't matter what is labeled (or mislabeled) or even what the OM says, GM considers this engine part of the Vortec family so there you have it. Case closed. Great thing about a free country is that everyone is entitled to their opinion, however...fact is another matter.

If you don't mind a stick, They have a little more power, and get better mileage. I currently own a 2002 2.2 at. It has 203,000 miles on it, runs good, and will get about 25 mpg hwy. My 95 2.2 5 speed [rip] got 31.22 mpg hwy best.

ok well since u dont want to reply and make this kid look like a fool i will. the way that it is a vortec motor and why all other vortec motors are vortecs is because it make a vortex in the cumbustion chamber. sooo there u got ur answer not quit being a fool.

mine's got 160K with original headgasket and runs perfect (slowbut perfect). and i still have oem timing chain...if taken care of they last a long time

same as mine (knock on wood) mine desperately need the lifters replaced but i dont wanna ruin the perfect head gasket haha. kinda like inadvertently fixing things that aint broke.

overall mines been great 161k on it and doesnt use oil between changes, cold startups sound god awful due to lifter tick (pretty common, but mines been at it for years and 50K miles haha) seems the newer trucks have timing chain issues so pay close attention to ticks and replace before it goes.

starters always go out around 110-130K miles alternators arent far behind that (just wear out it seems)

The 2.2 is one of the best truck engines, ever. My last truck only had a 355 in it. I mean, it was pretty fast, could tow a lot, sounded pretty sweet, and was dead reliable, but it was certainly no 2.2.

ok well since u dont want to reply and make this kid look like a fool i will. the way that it is a vortec motor and why all other vortec motors are vortecs is because it make a vortex in the cumbustion chamber. sooo there u got ur answer not quit being a fool.

NICE! Except it actually doesnt... But still, good answer. And your username is s10newbies... I love it.

NICE! Except it actually doesnt... But still, good answer. And your username is s10newbies... I love it.

All engines make a vortex as part of the combustion process, this is just a part of any engine design and intake port tuning. This process was even more important before FI in the carb. days as a way of mixing air/fuel. Vortex is just a name like Atlas or Powerstroke. There are no mechanical features that distinguish Vortex engines other than that they were designed and intended to be used in trucks and they were. That said, I challenge anyone to come up with a reason why the 2.2 (designated and classified by GM as a Vortex family engine) is not.

You will have more pep and better fuel mileage with the 5 speed. Not to mention the overall better control in inclement conditions. I wish I could swap my auto for a 5 speed.
The 2.2 was a fine engine, in 1956 or whenever it was designed. I have had a 96 and 2000, and have had a lot of problems with them. Granted, I didn't put the bulk of the mileage on them and dont know how they were treated before me. However, I have a hard time believing that the majority of 2.2 owners sabatoged their head gaskets. The folks who haven't had a HG pop yet--you should go buy a lotto ticket.
That said, I would buy another 2.2 s10, but it would be with the expectation of and commensurate pricing that the engine needed rebuilt.

So how come my 2001 Cavalier with the 2200 is not capitolized as a Vortec? Same motor...

Just because it is the same displacement and same size block doesn't make it the same engine package as a whole... Also, taking your rationale into account, no GM engine can be proven to be a vortec because they are all based off of engines that are pre vortec.

Just my .02... I've owned my 2.2 for 12 years now since it was new and I was 16... That being said, I have by no means been kind to it. It has over 170k and never had ANY engine work. I've done my own maintainence, oil, etc. Changed ball joints, u joints, AC, alt. But no block work and it burns no oil. I foresee rebuilding, but judging by the way it sounds, feels, runs... That won't be for another 40-50k. Reliable motor, easy and cheap to work on makes it a joy to own. If I want to go fast, I'll hop on my motorcycle.

now, I ain't saying that I know everything, but with that said, If you do your research you would find just waht I said, the 94-97 2.2 is not considered a Vortec but the 98 and up is. I can't exactly tell you why its labeled as a Vortec, but it is, and thats the way it stands, but you want me to explain why it is and you've yet to explain why it isn't. I'm not here to be right all the time, but I was this time. I can tell you I know that it has to do with something the factory did to the head and thats what gave it the distinction of a Vortec motor

I have a 2.2 s10 5 speed w 167k on it and the head gasket has been leaking for awhile. I believe the timing chain/belt(whatever) took a crap. But thanks to a buddy i dropped another 2.2 in it from his old truck w 45k on it...

I drive a ton of city miles and almost zero highway and last time i checked my mileage i was getting 20-22 depending..

I know the 5-speed has more zip and better mileage. Just tired of driving sticks in semi urban setting and having to deal with replacing the clutch. Also, when buying a used truck, there is probably less chance it was dogged with an auto as opposed to a stick. Does the 4.3 fare better in longevity and major/minor probs?

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